Wednesday, December 31, 2014

There's nothing like an old-fashioned candy house to warm the nostalgic heart and satisfy when trying to think of Valentine's Day gift -- or as one has a craving for something sweet.

These candy houses in Massachusetts have been around a long-time and always seem to draw crowds during any time of the year but especially Valentine's Day, as well as Christmas and Easter:

Hebert's Candy Mansion, Shrewsbury, Mass. This famous travel attraction is located in -- you guessed it -- a big Tudor stone mansion and manufactures just about any candy category imaginable. In business for more than a century, Hebert's genevas, white chocolates, and classic boxed assortments continue to be of high quality and created out of a small batches manufacturing process -- crucial to a great final product. Hebert's is located at 547 Hartford Turnpike in Shrewsbury MA. Tel. 508) 842-5583

Watson's Candies, Walpole, Mass. Watson's draws a local crowd and has a growing online presence, but still has to be one of the most underrated candies houses in Massachusetts. The minute you step into this warm and inviting candy house that has been in business the better part of a century, the vibe is nostalgic and feels like the prototype location for a candy maker to create magic. Although a little higher in price than some other chocolate manufacturers, the prices are well worth it as the taste of the chocolates is exquisitely rich and full bodied. Watson's also houses Scoops, a popular ice cream stand during the summer. In the winter, Watson's brings the ice cream indoors with a charming, Victorian-like dining room to enjoy your favorite flavor. Go for the assorted chocolates or incredible fudge here! Watson's Candies is located at 761 Main St. (Route 1A) in Walpole MA. Tel. (508) 668-2324

Hilliard's Chocolates, Easton, Mass.Hilliard's is also located in a large house and is my personal favorite, getting things done absolutely right when it comes to fine chocolates and specialty candies. This fourth generation family business, located on a busy stretch of Route 138, focuses on the art and science of candy making as they turn out consistently delicious sweets while never taking on a corporate vibe -- that is, their craft has become a lifestyle, also. Any homemade chocolate will do, but do consider the homemade truffles, bark, and almond toffee crunch and brittles. Hilliard's Chocolates is located at 316 Main St., Easton MA. Tel. (508) 238-6231

Furlong's Cottage Candies, Norwood, Mass. In business for more than 80 years, Furlong's Cottage Candies -- located in a welcoming cottage -- might just be the last step-back-in-time business on a stretch of Route 1 that is dominated by auto dealerships, chain stores and restaurants. Old-fashioned and friendly with great customer service, Furlong's hits a home run on with virtually everything they sell including homemade chocolates, fudge, roasted nuts and mints. The chocolate nut patties and chocolate covered Twinkies are a definite highlight! Furlong's Cottage Candies is located at 1355 Providence Highway (Route 1) Norwood MA. Tel. (781) 762-4124

Trappestine Quality Candy at Mt. Saint Mary's Abbey, Wrentham, Mass. Nuns make chocolate at its candy facility and sell them at the gift shop in this beautiful Cistinerian monastery located in a quiet, semi-rural section of Wrentham called Sheldonville. Profits help the nuns be self-supporting while giving back to those in need. Great value, truly polite and helpful service (of course!), and some of the best tasting assorted chocolates we've tasted. You won't find any artificial flavors or colors, trans fats, high fructose corn syrup or any other chemicals in these lovingly-made sweets. I like best the milk and dark chocolate squares and chocolate covered toffee with nuts! Mt. Saint Mary's Abbey is located at 300 Arnold St., Wrentham MA. Tel. (508) 528-7306

Let's get this out of the way before all those New Year's resolutions take place: sometimes, you've got to have a great burger with fries.

Whether it's the trendy celebrity burger joints or the local restaurant, pub or even dive, diners have more options than ever to find a great hamburger. My personal preference is to find the local place that serves a quality burger -- not only to please the taste buds but to support independently-owned businesses.

The Catman Cafe in Mansfield, Mass., is one of those places. Initially, the Catman seems like a bit of a dive with a rather drab dark look, but that first impression quickly changes with very friendly service and a community chatter amongst townies that lends authenticity. Specializing in bar food, the Catman makes one amazing, huge cheeseburger cooked to perfection with bacon, mushrooms and cheese as well as a heaping pile of tasty fries on the side.

Keep this place in mind when shopping at Mansfield Crossing and the Old Country Store and Emporium, taking in a summer concert at the Comcast Center, watching a sporting or music event at Gillette Stadium, or playing golf at the Norton TPC Golf Course. Despite its dive tendencies, it is also family friendly!

The Catman Cafe is located at 16 Old Coloy Rd., Mansfield MA. Tel. (508) 339-0038.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Woodman's Seafood Restaurant in Essex, Mass., is a household name in New England, and with good reason: its founder Lawrence "Chubby" Woodman invented the fried clam here more than 100 years ago.

Today, Woodman's is a thriving local and tourist favorite that also specializes in lobster, lobster rolls, New England clam chowder and other seafood, but it is the fried clam that impresses me most. Yes, New England offers many great seafood shacks for fried clams, but for some reason Woodman's seems a notch above the elite destinations. They just know what they are doing, and the heaping portions further help the matter.

I think Zagat sums Woodman's up best: "A cult classic—right up there with baseball and apple pie, this Essex icon is an enduring American cult favorite." Forbes FYI also acknowledged Woodman's as having "the best seafood in America." I'm quite sure both media outlets factored in the fried clam when speaking so highly of this North Shore of Massachusetts dining and catering gem.

While the media accolades are nice, it is the constant year-round crowds that truly confirm this seafood shack's greatness. Success surely could have gone to Woodman's head, but thankfully this fried clam destination never became a shell of itself!

Led by a group of experienced guides and powered by huskies, this is really a unique way of experiencing New Hampshire as a fun alternative to hiking, downhill or cross country skiing. Areas where you can take a dog sled ride or tour include the White Mountains, Squam Lake, Thornton and Waterville Valley Resort.

What a great way to enjoy the dog days of winter or have your New Hampshire vacation turn to "mush!"

Walking into Wilson's Department Store in Greenfield, Mass., reminds us of a simpler, more community-oriented time where we knew businesses owners by name and when the chance to shop and buy local was the only way we knew how to shop.

One of the last family-owned and operated department stores in the United States, Wilson's features 20 departments on four floors, which can be accessed by long-narrow staircases and an older-style elevator. Completely different than a 21st superstore, the scene looks like a retail version of a townie coffee shop with customers and staff conversing about life in Greenfield and families, little old ladies with blue hair, college students, and all walks of life, for that matter, finding everything they need under one ancient roof. You see, Wilson's has been in business since the 1880s and, to so many, is truly a national treasure!

It's hard to believe a department store like this still exists in an often impersonal, generic day of age, but we're sure glad it does! Each department has excellent, updated selections with many name brands and, often, sales racks. Departments include women's accessories, women's sportswear, women's coats, dresses, intimate apparel, juniors, alternative sportswear for women, men's, young men's, children's, shoes, cosmetics, jewelry, luggage, domestics, housewares, toys, stationery and candy. Wilson's is especially popular when Santa arrives for the Christmas season and the Easter Bunny for Easter.

What feels best about Wilson's is that you don't feel lost here like it can in big box stores or shopping malls. The friendly, non-pushy helpful employees and the nostalgic feel within a well laid-out, organized setting creates a wonderful ambiance that suggests that the retail world got it right the first time.

Wilson's is part of an unusual but heartwarming small town downtown that features an increasing number of locally-owned and operated businesses including an indie movie theater, food coop, bakery, and book, furniture and music stores. I encourage you to read my article on downtown Greenfield to get a true feel for this very nice western Massachusetts small city.

I just read an incredibly beautiful story in the Union Leader about the generosity of a local business that helped out a Bedford, N.H. pizza shop owner truly in need.

Eastern Bank chose Pizza Bella in Bedford, N.H., for its "Good Things Happen to Good People" project, based on Deedee Zgonis' community involvement, donating food, sponsoring local organizations and taking over the Pizza Bella business after the death of her husband, John, in 2012, at age 53.

The article states that Eastern Bank sent Zgonis on a Florida spa trip, so volunteers could work on a surprise free makeover of the 23-year-old restaurant just in time for Thanksgiving. John had owned the restaurant with a co-partner for 21 years.

What's more, comedian and "Late Night" host Seth Myers -- who used to work at Pizza Bella in his youth -- visited with his family to "say hello," and "pick up their favorite salami pie."

That Christmas Eve day, Myers had tweeted about the video, stating, "A tear jerkingly great video about my one time employer Pizza Bella."

You have to see the video below! It's a beautiful story and shows that caring businesses like Eastern Bank can make a difference in this world. Most importantly, it puts a well-liked and respected community-oriented individual, going through tough times, back on her feet again.

The video is moving and inspirational, but I also recommend giving Pizza Bella a try for some pizza, subs or dinner combinations. At this writing, Pizza Bella has a five-star rating amongst dining reviewers on Google+. It's a staple in the Bedford area and I'm sure they would be grateful for your business!

Pizza Bella is located at 178 New Hampshire 101 in Bedford NH. Tel. (603) 472-8560

The Deluxe Family of Fine Diners is reporting that it has recently opened a third diner, the Deluxe Depot Diner at a former H.H. Richardson designed train station from 1885 in downtown Framingham, Mass.

Retaining many of the trademark H.H. Richardson architectural styles along with a "post modern Victorian whimsy" for ambiance, this extensively restored National Historic Site property seats 220, is open seven days a week, serves breakfast all day, lunch, and then dinner after 4 p.m., The restaurant also features a full bar.

The diner's opening is great news for Metrowest residents, as this suburban Boston region could use a few more good diners and will clearly be the beneficiary of a proven entity as the menu is similar to the Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown and Deluxe Station Diner in Newton. Those two diners are absolutely fantastic, the latter also located in a train station of the past and the former housed in a classic dining car with all its stainless steel and neon glory.

Downtown Framingham has been revitalizing as of late, and this is one more reason to go!

The Deluxe Depot Diner is located at 415 Waverly St. in Framingham MA. Tel. 508-359-6404

Many people think of Danielson as the name Mr. Miyagi called the kid hero in the Karate Kid movie but it's also a pleasant small town in northeastern Connecticut where you'll find Logee's, one of the most unusual home and garden stores in New England.

Logee's features an incredible variety fruiting, rare, exotic and tropical edible and non-edible plants including trees that produce bananas, lemons the size of grapefruits, Japanese persimmons, unique begonias and hard-to-find hibiscus. The experience goes way beyond that, however, as it's almost like a shopping mall version of plant inventory. Those that have been to Logee's five greenhouses and retail store know this longtime business as a seemingly never ending wonderland of colors and scents that should pique the interest of anyone even remotely interested in purchasing unique-to-familiar plants for the home and garden.

Logee's is a family-run business that has been around since 1892 and while well-known to gardening fanatics is not exactly a household name to the casual New England gardner (it should be, though!). Through the years, media has also recognized Logee's, including Martha Stewart who featured the store on the Martha Stewart Show. They also offer a well-developed online store and catalogue, but if you are traveling in the area or live within an hour of Danielson, the trip is well worth it. We first recommend taking a look at the Logee's online retail store map to give you an initial taste of the enormity of this store.

Logee's clearly isn't your garden variety home and garden store!

Logee's is located at 114 North St. in Danielson CT. Tel. (888-330-8038

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Brookfield Orchards in North Brookfield, Mass., is tucked away in the hills of rural Central Massachusetts, but the drive for an apple dumpling with vanilla ice cream or cheddar cheese is well worth the day trip.

The dumpling is huge and flavorful, the vanilla ice cream thick and creamy. Simply amazing, no other words to describe the combo!

While many make a beeline for the apple dumpling and ice cream, others prefer the dumpling with cheese. This might seem like an odd duo but somehow it works. Knowing that it's not always easy to find a quality cheddar cheese, I personally prefer having it with the dumpling.

Either combo works and the good news is that unlike many other local farms, Brookfield Orchards is open year-round 9 a.m.-5 p.m. You can eat the apple dumpling on a bench in the welcoming garage-like main retail room, although the fall time features an outdoor snack bar.

Known primarily as a fall apple picking destination, Brookfield Orchard also features an excellent country store, which is also open throughout the whole year. If all this sounds good, we recommend reading our feature story on Brookfield Orchards for more information. Hope you to get to go there, it's really a wonderful slice of New England retail, enhanced by the incredible apple dumpling!

Many outdoor stores leave us out in the cold with their mixed bag of merchandise, but not the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, Maine.

This is the grandaddy of all outdoor stores -- including the L.L. Bean retail and outlet stores across the country -- in business more than a century, more than three million visitors a year and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With its famous big boot out front (see picture) and an incredible, organized variety of clothing and outdoor recreation equipment, this 200,000 sq. ft. store and seven acre campus is like the Disneyland of outdoor recreation stores. You'll find separate buildings for hunting and fishing, biking, boating and skiing, and an outlet store. An L.L. Bean home goods store opened across the street in 2009.

In addition to the classic, well-made merchandise that made L.L. Bean famous, it's also quite entertaining at the Freeport location with events throughout the year, a trout pond in the middle of the store and a 3,500-gallon freshwater aquarium that replicates a 25-ft. long section of a streambed.

The L.L. Bean campus also features the 1912 Cafe, Coffee By Design coffee shop, a courtyard and Discovery Park, summer concerts and various outdoor events.

With all the expansion, one would think that a store like this would lose the "personal touch." Not so, at L.L. Bean in Freeport. They still run it like a small business -- that is, attentive to customers with that patented wonderful customer service and the knack of making you feel almost like a family member.

When I was a kid in the 1970s, L.L. Bean used to be virtually the only store in Freeport. The once sleepy, small town had a isolated feel that, with the exception of L.L. Bean, rolled up the carpets at night. Now, lively and thriving Freeport has a large number of outlet stores and dining options. It almost seems like L.L. Bean would be the "anchor" if the town was a mall.

I'm not totally on board with a sleepy small coastal Maine town becoming a tourist destination, but will always have a place in my heart for the Freeport L.L. Bean. There's simply no better clothing and outdoor recreation store in my retail travel book, anywhere!

Friday, December 26, 2014

The Mike's Pastry Facebook fan page is reporting that its second location, this one in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass., recently opened.

Mike's Pastry, a classic North End of Boston, Mass., Italian bakery now has a second spot at 11 Dunster St. that began operation in mid-November. It's new storefront is a logical expansion that brings a much-needed local bakery presence to Harvard Square. Surprisingly, Harvard Square has only a few bakeries. Finale, Insomnia Cookies and Market in the Square do have excellent baked goods, but Mike's brings a unique, time-tested Italian bakery business to the Harvard University area and surrounding residential neighborhoods. Since Harvard Square is so densely populated -- especially during the academic year -- Mike's arrival adds another sweet layer to the baked goods scene without encroaching upon the few baked goods shops with their own unique identities.

Mike's new business here helps tip the scales in the right direction -- that is, shop local, buy local! One ongoing complaint I've had with Harvard Square is that it's becoming more distant from its local neighborhood vibe that made it so special in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Recently, many food and retail chains have saturated Harvard Square, and while some of them are of high quality, the one-of-a-kind feeling has gone. Yes, Mike's could now be called a chain with a second location, but is still small enough to be defined as more local than corporate. Even if it was more the latter, there's no denying the greatness of its cannolis, biscotti, torrone, cakes and cookies. The Harvard Square location is also convenient, too, as the North End parking situation can be a real bear. Harvard Square parking is no day at the beach, either, but there always seems to be a way to find a spot.

On the downside, Mike's in Cambridge is not open 24 hours like the North End location. Hours posted on Yelp state it's open until 10 to 11:30 p.m. depending upon what day of the week. Still, the hours are good enough to pick and choose the time of the day to indulge in one this areas best selection of Italian baked goods!

Putnam Pantry in Danvers, Mass., proves that a build-your-own ice cream smorgasbord is superior to a self-serve frozen yogurt shop any day.

Select your ice cream size at this long-time North Shore favorite located in a cozy, historic red cottage, and then go to town with just about any topping imaginable, including one of the best homemade chocolate sauces on the planet. This chocolate nirvana makes sense as Putnam Pantry is not only about ice cream: it's is a third generation chocolate and candy maker where, on the premises, candy makers stir large simmering kettles containing white, milk and dark chocolate, pastel toppings and sweet fillings.

At Putnam Pantry, you can also choose from more than 300 varieties of candies. It's really an amazing scene.

But it's the sundae bar that many prefer. After all, ice cream is an American pastime for kids of all ages,

and after the frozen yogurt craze, many are coming back to the fact that ice cream just tastes better. With that in mind, Putnam Pantry does not disappoint with homemade ice cream that is amongst the best tasting in the area (although it is not made on the premises). It's the toppings that really put the Putnam Pantry ice cream experience over the top, although one could argue that the "Battle of Bunker Hill" sundae with 17 scoops of ice cream is the real drawing card.

All in all, this is a classic New England ice cream attraction not to be missed!

Yesterday while driving to my sister-in-law's in Brockton, Mass., for a Christmas dinner, we spotted Santa Claus riding a bicycle in Stoughton, Mass. Perhaps the reindeer were under the weather?

We did an Internet search and found that the distance from Boston to the North Pole is 3,291 miles. Stoughton is about 20 miles south of Boston, so the challenge would be even greater if bicycling to the North Pole!

Hopefully, this Santa was also traveling to his sister-in-law's in Brockton, which would make the ride a tad easier. With that Routes 27 and 24. intersection, though, we are not so sure.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

If you love warm New England traditions, the Wenham Tea House in Wenham, Mass., might just be your cup of tea.

As one of the oldest tea houses in the United States dating back to 1912, the charming decor and ambiance along with some old-fashioned hospitality remains true to its original form -- albeit with a twist of 21st century servings on the side.

This cozy North Shore tea house still specializes in a wonderful afternoon tea but also offers breakfast, lunch, a Friday night dinner, Sunday brunch, bakery, gift shop and take-out service. It's a great place to go as part of a day trip or as part of a vacation near Salem, Rockport, Gloucester, Newburyport and Ipswich, but also as a destination for group parties. They also have a children's tea.

The philanthropic Wenham Village Improvement Society owns the Wenham Tea House, so profits go to improving this already beautiful North Shore town "through scholarships, summer programs, and other philanthropies." So, dining here creates a mutually beneficial scenario: you get to dine or just have tea in an absolutely wonderfully, unique, time-tested setting, and Wenham benefits in the process. We'd rather spend our money here in this cozy, humble little spot than just some restaurant in it for just the money!

Wenham Tea House is located at 4 Monument St. in Essex MA. Tel. (978) 468-1398. We recommend visiting its web site to check for hours and special events.

Contributing writer Larry Olmsted went worldwide to find the best meals, and certainly showed accuracy and good taste bud genes when writing about Olneyville's "mini wieners" topped with onions and chili -- otherwise known as wiener sauce. They are truly delicious!

This isn't the first time Olneyville has been recognized beyond the local media. The James Beard Foundation, a well-known proponent of American food cuisine, awarded Olneyville the 2014 America’s Classics Award for "regional establishments, often family-owned, that are treasured for their quality food, local character, and lasting appeal." The Food Network, The Daily Meal and Travel Channel have also found fast food bliss at Olneyville by praising this fourth generation fast food restaurant.

Olneyviile and can attest to the greatness of this Providence dining gem. Stevens and his sister Stephanie Stevens Turini really run an extremely well-run business with a friendly long-time staff that are skilled, often funny and treat their employment as not just a job but also a lifestyle. While they do serve burgers, tuna melts and other comfort foods, the wieners are the go-to meal here, along with fries and a locally legendary glass of coffee milk. Not sure if Olmsted had this exact version, but I especially love the "All the Way" signature wiener with ground beef, yellow mustard, onions, celery salt, special spices and soybean oil on a steamed bun.

This is a no frills restaurant, open from late morning until the wee hours, definitely worth trying in Rhode Island or even an hour away in Boston.

Congrats to the Forbes mention, and kudos to writer Olmsted for getting it right when including Olneyville!

Sunday, December 21, 2014

CBS Scene at Patriot Place, next to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., scores a dining out touchdown with its one-of-kind restaurant and bar.

The 15,000 sq. ft. CBS Scene seems larger than life with three levels of lunch and dinner dining, and 135 SONY Plasma, LCD and graphic projector displays (including table side televisions) playing the best of 75-plus years of CBS radio and television entertainment, sports and news programming.

It's a great place to watch the New England Patriots through the window less than 100 years away or on television, but for old-time TV nuts like us, we enjoyed watching "I Love Lucy" while chowing down on delicious grilled meat loaf sandwiches, New England clam chowder, wood fired heart oven pizza, crispy fries and mac and cheese. Additionally, the huge bar specializes in specialty drinks, beers, white, red and dessert wines, and cognac, port, sherry. In the warmer weather, an outdoor terrace provides additional commanding views of Gillette Stadium.

With those incredible views of Gillette Stadium, a retail store selling CBS merchandise and a 60-foot spiral staircase structure in the shape of CBS's trademark eye connecting everything, CBS Scene is quite a scene!

Jimmy's Steer House has been near and dear to my heart for the past 30 years, so when I heard the rumors of this Arlington, Mass., dining landmark closing, I felt a great sadness.

Happily, Jimmy's Steer House will not be closing, according to a Jimmy's employee I spoke with today. The employee told me that they are not sure where the rumors started, but Jimmy's going out of business is "certainly not the case," and that business will proceed, as usual.

Great news, as this is one of the best steak houses in the Boston area -- affordable and with quality approaching some of the more expensive, high profile restaurants in this category.

Conrad's Restaurant, renowned for its mouthwatering steak tips, plans to expand beyond its Norwood, Mass. and Walpole, Mass., locations with a third restaurant in Sudbury, Mass. Diane, at the Walpole location, tells me that they plan to open Conrad's in Sudbury some time in mid-February 2015. The restaurant will be located at the former Bistro 20 restaurant at 120 Boston Post Rd. (Route 20).

Kane's Donuts, a legendary donut shop dating back to 1955 in Saugus, Mass.,had plans to open its second location in Boston in the middle of January but will most likely be closer to February 2015, according to co-owner Maria Delios. Maria told me that they everything "has to be perfect" at its 2 High St., International Place, Boston location before opening. "It's really going to be special!" said Maria, of the impending Boston opening.

Red Stripe, a well-known and outstanding American brasserie at Wayland Square in Providence, R.I., just opened its second restaurant at 455 Main St. in East Greenwich, R.I. Congrats!

Yes, it's true. The New England Ski Museum at Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch State Park has been going "downhill" since 1982 with permanent and revolving exhibitions pertaining to the history of skiing.

Just one look at the equipment, art, artifacts and videos confirm that skiing has a rich history as deep as the New Hampshire winter snow. That history actually dates back 8,000 years with its prehistoric roots! The New England Ski Museum's permanent exhibition, From the First Tracks to the Fall Line: Eight Thousand Years of Skiing details the beginnings all the way up to 20th and 21st century history, including the advent of the shaped ski in the 1990s, the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division (created in 1943 for mountain combat), landmark events at Cannon Mountain (like the aerial tramway which opened in 1938), and the career of local world-class Olympic skier Bode Miller.

The New England Ski Museum might not be as popular as skiing itself, but does have more than 1,500 members across 35 states and 11 countries. Unlike the expense of skiing, museum admission is free!

The New England Ski Museum is located by the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Franconia Notch State Park NH. Tel. (603) 823-7177. For more details, including hours, log onto the New England Ski Museum web site

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Wright's Farm Restaurant in Harrisville, R.I., seats 1,200 people, employs more than 180 locals and serves approximately 14,000 lbs. of chicken to about 12,000 visitors each week. It's amazing they can fit all that into Rhode Island, the smallest state in the country.

The 45,000 sq. ft. restaurant with six dining rooms specializes in family-style chicken dinners that include all-you-can eat chicken, rolls, salad with tasty Wright's Farm salad dressing, crispy fries and pasta shells with homemade marinara sauce. Everything is delicious and plentiful, but the real star of the show is the moist, fall-off-the-bone chicken -- slow-cooked, baked in whole, and then cut up when served. The deal is amazing: $12.75 for adults, $7.25 for kids 10 and under, at this writing. You can also order steak, although that is not an all-you-can-eat item and not quite up to par with the chicken, although very good. Dessert includes traditional vanilla and chocolate ice cream roll and ice cream pie, the latter made by the Ice Cream Machine in Cumberland, R.I. (one of the best ice cream stands in New England!)

In business since 1972, Wright's is open Thursday and Friday from 4-9 p.m., Saturday noon- 9 p.m. and Sunday noon-8 p.m. The wait can be very long but to make time go by faster, there's a 4,000 sq. ft gift shop on the premises that features clothing, gifts, books, toys, penny candy, homemade fudge, specialty foods and home and garden accessories. It's really a terrific gift shop with a diversity of interesting and often tasty merchandise, thus trumping tackiness that can be experienced at so many tourist gift shops.

Wright's Farm can get very loud and the huge parking lot can look like the mall at Christmas time, but that's part of the overall experience. Yes it's one of the largest restaurants in New England and should end up on the radio and TV traffic reports, but that doesn't take away from the amazing family-style dinners that are certainly anything but "fowl!"

Mills Falls Marketplace in Meredith, N.H., offers its own shopping and dining identity instead of being just another generic, unctuous tourist destination.

Here's the scene at the Mills Falls Marketplace: several shops and restaurants, brick walkways and flowers gardens, a 40 ft. waterfall and great views of Lake Winnepesaukee. What could have been another low moment in the trend of commercial developers creating shopping destinations as sterile as possible happily bucks the trend by offering something you will experience nowhere else. Nothing smug and pretentious exists here, just a lot of rustic New Hampshire charm and the spirit of small, local business owners making things so warm, interesting and inviting.

Given the heartwarming appeal of Mills Falls Marketplace, you'd never know that this former linen mill

that dates back to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution was sadly deteriorating in the early 1980s. Too bad back then for Meredith, one of New England's great lake vacation towns.

Happily, the Marketplace's 1984 opening instantly brought back tremendous energy to Meredith's downtown district no matter what time of the year. The summer is wonderful for its walker friendly environs and outdoor dining, fall as a complement to Meredith's wonderful foliage, and winter as a place to Christmas shop and get cozy within a warm building that features some very nice shops. For those that want to stay over, The Inn at Mills Falls is connected to the building and features many amenities like an indoor pool and free WiFi. Within walking distance is the waterfront Chase House with 23 rooms, Camp restaurant (nostalgic feel, lighter fare) Lady of the Lake women's clothing store. Church Landing at Mills Falls, a few minute's walk from Mills Falls Marketplace, features 59 rooms and suites, a ballroom, the Cascade Spa and casually upscale Lake House Bar and Grille restaurant. The Baypoint at Mills Falls offers additional lodging with 24 more rooms and Lago Costa Cucina Italian restaurant.

Baypoint at Mills Falls Inn

Clothing, jewelry and gifts comprise the majority of shopping at Mills Falls Marketplace, but I prefer to start at Lee's Candy with the largest candy bar in the Lakes Region with 125 jars of Gummies, Sours and novelties, homemade fudge, fine chocolates, hand made truffles, maple products, gift baskets and gourmet food products. It's hard to know where to start here!

The Country Carriage sells country gifts and decorative accessories, while Cozy Cabin Rustics features rustic and handcrafted furniture. Great Northern Trading Company has a nice mix of casual clothing, home decor items and a Christmas Corner. The Guest House, a Creative Studio is a jewelry and beading studio American handcrafted gifts in the theme at Oglethorpe Fine Arts and Crafts. Unique jewelry, accessories and apparel can be found at Adornment and Creative Clothing Company. The Innisfree Bookshop is perhaps my second favorite shop here, as the spirit of a darn good independent bookstore shines in an inviting, cozy setting.

Other Mills Falls Marketplace restaurants include Giuseppe's Pizzeria and Ristorante specializing in Italian cuisine, pizza and entertainment, and The Waterfall Cafe offering breakfast and lunch in a cozy cafe and porch overlooking the waterfall and Lake Winnepesaukee. For ice cream lovers, Ben and Jerry's has a storefront here!

Lee's Candy

If traveling through, or vacationing in, the Lake Regions, Mills Falls Marketplace is definitely a must-see destination. It's unique and appealing, located within an already nice downtown district and right across the street from a truly beautiful lake. What's not to love here?

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

If you miss the famous, delicious blueberry muffins from the now defunct Jordan Marsh department store, no more need to feel sad: the Muffin House Cafe in Medway, Mass., has created a spot-on version of the beloved New England muffin.

The Muffin House delivers that magical mix of blueberries in every moist muffin bite with an extra amount of sugar on the top. If Jordan Marsh was still around today and outsourced to the Muffin House for blueberry muffins, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the original and this loving cover version.

During the past several years, we had to wait for the seasonal Enchanted Village Christmas Display at Jordan's Furniture in Avon, Mass., to buy Jordan Marsh-style blueberry muffins. Caloric challenges aside, now they can purchased any day of the week, thanks to the Muffin House Cafe! It sure is convenient, too, not having to experiment with trying to duplicate those online Jordan Marsh blueberry muffin recipes. Who has the time or dedication to following specific recipe directions that never come out quite right, anyway? Thankfully, the Muffin House does all the work for us.

Far more than just a blueberry muffin place, the Muffin House Cafe serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches, wraps, paninis, chowder, soup of the day and an excellent variety of coffee and teas. The baked goods section is exceptional with turnovers, danish, scones, pies, tarts, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and frozen dough. Some other muffin highlights include coffee cake, cinnamon apple, orange cranberry and banana chocolate chip.

The small dining room is cozy with tables, a wide scree television, electric fireplace and free WiFI. It looks like a slightly more updated version of an old-time townie restaurant

Medway is a cute little town, full of traditional New England charm, about 25 miles southwest of Boston. The Muffin House is definitely worth the drive if you have a love for a Jordan Marsh-style blueberry muffin!

The Muffin House Cafe is located at 116 Main St. (Route 109), Medway MA. Tel. (508) 533-6655

Enchanted Village proves that great Christmas traditions span the generations with equal enthusiasm.

Once a landmark at the former Jordan Marsh department store at Downtown Crossing in Boston, Mass., Enchanted Village is now a suburban Boston staple at Jordan's Furniture in Avon, Mass.

Truly spectacular with its life-like yuletide scenes and animated figurines created by a 1930s Bavarian toy maker, Enchanted Village is simply an instant memory. While furniture stores aren't exactly known as Christmas destinations (other than shopping, of course), Jordan's has wonderfully carried on the tradition by allotting 8,000 sq. ft. of space to this amazing Boston attraction. Of course, Santa is there, too, to meet and greet kids that are frequently in awe of the whole Enchanted Village experience. True to tradition, also, admission is free.

Just as good news: the legendary Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins are sold at the Enchanted Village

Jordan Marsh blueberry muffin (photo by Eric)

entrance. We don't know what exactly makes the Jordan Marsh blueberry muffin better than others, but one taste confirms why this baked good has household-name status in the Boston area.

Thank goodness for Jordan's Furniture resurrecting, in 2009, this important part of Boston history. It was born in the late 1950s, closed in the early 70s, and reopened from 2003-2006. All that closed time dampened many a Boston's Christmas spirit, but the times when operating in Boston created memories that could never be taken away.

Now Enchanted Village is back with a strong private company and all displays well maintained or enhanced. What's more, the holiday magic has expanded with Enchanted Ice -- a 4,000 sq. ft. indoor ice skating rink with artificial ice and a changing light scheme. It's just $5 to skate.

If you had to pick one Christmas event in the Boston area, this would be it. Time-tested, creative and full of holiday cheer that cannot fully be described, Enchanted Village is truly special.

I always prefer a bowl of chili to contain ample amounts of beef, but the People's Pint in Greenfield, Mass., changed that mindset instantly.

This well-known Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts brewery and restaurant spices up the traditional chili approach by forgoing the beef and instead offering a smoked chicken chili. The taste is absolutely incredible with a perfect mix of applewood smoked chicken, organic red kidney beans, onions, peppers, tomatoes and Farmer Brown Ale (and chips on the side). Ask your server to have the chef add some bubbling, browned jack cheese on top, and the result is pure chili magic. I have never tasted any chili this good!

A generously served bowl comes in at $7.25 (jack cheese is $2 extra) -- certainly worth the price for this meal that you probably won't find anywhere else -- or that good.

Here are 20 fun, must-see New England family travel attractions to put on your Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont trip planning lists:Outdoor Living MuseumsOld Sturbridge Village A long-time favorite New England family travel attraction, Old Sturbridge Village depicts rural New England life in the 1800s "in the company of farmers, craftsmen and fascinating characters." The well-preserved homes and buildings on the premises will warm your heart and the hired staff, playing theirs roles convincingly, bring you back to another era when life was much more simple. Old Sturbridge Village, Route 20 (two miles west of I-84 and I-90), Sturbridge, Mass. Tel. (508)347-3362.

Plimoth Plantation OK, so the Pilgrims actually first landed on Cape Cod, but Plymouth was their first permanent settlement. The Pilgrim village has been built as realistically as possible and the actors and actresses employed there are worthy of winning Oscars for sticking so close to their traditional Pilgrim roles -- they give no hint that they are of this 21st century world. Plimoth Plantation, three miles south on Rt. 3A, Plymouth, Mass. Tel. (508)746-1622.

Battleship Cove This large collection of historic Navy ships is an awesome site, where you can sail through the Cold War on USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., sound the diving horn on the Submarine Lionfish, crank the hand wheels on Big Mamies 40mm guns, or climb on board a high-speed missile corvette that the Soviets designed to fight us. You simply don't know how big these boats are until you get one. It made us greatly appreciate the craft that went into making theses ships and our brave Soldiers that protected our freedoms on these vehicles. Battleship Cove, Five Water St., Fall River, Mass. Tel. (800) 533-3194 New England only, P: (508) 678-1100, f: (508) 674-5597.

Indoor MuseumsBoston Museum of Science More than 500 exhibits (many hands-on) highlight this world famous science museum that also includes a planetarium and Imax films. Boston Museum of Science, Science Park, Boston, Mass. Tel. (617) 723-2500.

Museums of Fine Arts, Boston A recent renovation and expansion makes a world-class museum even that much better with more collections and and an appealing modern look. The museum features a collection of about 450,000 objects, including Art of the Americas; Art of Europe; Contemporary Art; Art of Asia, Oceania, and Africa; Art of the Ancient World; Prints, Drawings, and Photographs; Textile and Fashion Arts; and Musical Instruments. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, Mass. Tel. (617) 369-6500

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Very nicely presented, the 40,000 sq. ft. Basketball Hall of Fame wonderfully celebrates the best basketball players in the history of the game, as well as exhibits that focus on "skills challenges, live clinics, and shooting contests." Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield, Mass. Tel. (413) 781-6500

AquariumsNew England Aquarium When it comes to aquariums, there are plenty of fish in the sea, but the extensive collection of fish as well as an extremely knowledgeable staff make the New England Aquarium a premier aquarium that is a "must-sea" when visiting Boston. New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston, Mass. Tel. (617) 973-5200

Mystic Aquarium The Mystic Aquarium is perhaps a close runner-up to the New England Aquarium, and regarded as one of the better aquariums in the United States according to a marine expert friend. Not only is the collection of fish spectacular and the physical plant simply beautiful, but the Mystic Aquarium is also dedicated "to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration." That means it's not just looking at fish here; the chance to learn here is tremendous. Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, Conn. Tel. (860) 572-5969

Amusement Parks, Theme Parks and ZoosCanobie Lake Park In a world of locally-owned amusement parks closing, Canobie Lake Park has been a role model of the independents that have remained opened by giving the customer what they want: a mix of more than 100 traditional and modern amusement rides, an impeccably clean park, and pride of ownership from management to staff. Admission prices have remained reasonable, too, of the utmost importance to many families feeling the economy. Canobie Lake Park, 85 North Policy St., Salem, N.H. Tel. (603) 893-3506

Roger Williams Zoo One of America's oldest museums that has constantly updated through the years, the Roger Williams Zoo is set on 40 acres and home to more than 100 animals from around the world. Roger Williams Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, R.I. Tel. (401) 785-3510

Old Orchard Beach Old Orchard Beach in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, has pleased the generations with its mix of sun, sand, and amusements. It's a bit honky tonk, but family-friendly and with a beautiful stretch of beach, and plenty of shopping and dining options.

Storyland Mother Goose, Cinderella and many other famous fairy tale characters come to life in a village setting (there are relevant amusement rides here, too, including Alice's Tea Cups and Cinderella's Coach). Especially great for the younger kids! Storyland, Route 16, Glen, N.H. Tel. (603) 383-4186

Clark's Trading Post The most famous attraction here is the trained bear show, but Clark's is also worth a visit for a scenic train rides through the woods, a haunted house, bumper boats, an "Americana" Museum and an excellent gift shop. Clark's Trading Post, Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, N.H. Tel. (603) 745-8913

Water Country The largest water park in New England features some traditional and innovative water rides, including Dr. Von Dark's Tunnel of Terror (how did they come up with that name?), the Double Geronimo, Thunder Falls and Wild Canyon, and the Triple Giant slides. Water Country, 2300 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth, N.H. Tel. (603) (603) 427-1111

ToursBoston Duck Tours What better way to see Boston by land and sea than in an amphibious landing vehicle? Depending on the tour, you'll see many of the great Boston attractions like Quincy Market, Bunker Hill, Old Scollay Square, Old State House, Beacon Hill and Old North Church. Call (617) 267-3825 for more information.Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Tour Fun, fun, fun! You'll see a historical "moovie," a visit to the production room and receive a free sample of ice cream, afterwards! This fun 30 minute Factory Tour is located at the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory at 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd. (Route 100) in Waterbury Vt. You can make a reservation by calling (802)882-2040 or sending an email to amy.weller@benjerry.com.

It doesn't really fit into any category here, but let's not also forget about TheFlume, a natural gorge extending 800 ft. as the base of Mt. Liberty in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with a rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet. It's a bit scary as I've heard of many moms that just prefer to wait in the car. You can walk the gorge or do the two-mile loop. I like the latter; it's a great workout and lots of nice scenery along the way! The Flume, Rt. 3, Lincoln, N.H. Tel. (603) 745-8391Editor's note: please share this article with anyone you know who you feel is interested in family travel attractions. You can use the social media buttons below to spread the word. Also, please share with us in the comment box further below, some of your favorite New England family travel attractions. Your feedback will be most helpful to those planning family vacations. Thanks!

The penny candy section is most impressive with more than 60 jars of candy that still costs a penny for each item. There's also a colorful M&M candy dispensing machine the size of a soft drink machine, as well as gourmet and traditional jelly beans, sours and gummies!

Chutters also features a chocolate covered candy counter (no, the counter is not covered with chocolate!), homemade fudge, gifts, soaps, candles, home furnishings and some gourmet foods, but it's really the candy counter that "sweetens" the visit at this most unique store where it appears that the adults have as much interest as the kids in loading up on sweets you thought you'd never find again! It's really like being a kid in a candy store at this unusual New England travel attraction.

Monday, December 8, 2014

The Pump House Indoor Waterpark at Jay Peak Resort in Jay, Vt., in is not your basic, garden variety waterpark.

We all know that water parks can "slide" in quality and innovation very rapidly, thus suddenly becoming "lame" in the eyes of kids and "a bad value" from an adult perspective.

With its state-of-the-art waterpark and other attractions, Jay Peak has found a new life in the past 15 years by actually investing into its idyllic property with a 21st century mindset --- unlike many other waterparks and resorts resting on their laurels.

The huge Pump House features chutes, tubes, surfing-like opportunities, a river with rapids. indoor and outdoor hot tubs, poolside bar, and a kids play area with a play structure and maple sap tipping bucket filled with real Vermont maple syrup (only in March). Additionally, you'll find arcades and a snack bar, as well as a gift shop with merchandise relevant to the waterpark experience.

It all looks like a giant candyland for aquatics! Another nice element to the Pump House Waterpark is that there was significant life before this attraction -- that is, Jay Peak Resort has a grand reputation as a ski, golfing and spa destination. They also offer several restaurants, an ice skating rink, fitness center and summer tram rides. It's truly what you could easily call an "all-inclusive resort."

Jay Peak is located at 830 Jay Peak Rd. in Jay VT. Tel. (802) 988-2611. Log onto the Jay Peak Waterpark page to start, and explore the rest of the site to see all that Jay Peak has to offer.

Christo's in Brockton, Mass., had been a local dining legend for more than four decades. Some called it "Cheers South" -- South of Boston's version of the famous Boston restaurant.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mike Dukakis once dubbed Christo's "The Greek Salad King." Thousands of customers each week called Christo's their "go-to" local restaurant. I personally remember family gatherings -- whether it be for happy times like birthdays and Mothers Day or for sadder times when loved ones gathered after a funeral. Christo's just seemed like a best friend -- loyal, committed and friendly.

The Greek salads, famous salad dressing, baked lamb, bar-style pizzas, the large four color coded rooms (especially the Gold Room with that huge golden floor-to-ceiling fountain), and the welcoming day and night presence of late owner Christos Tsaganis helped shape Christo's one-of-a-kind restaurant personality. Unfortunately, family chose not to continue operating Christo's not too long after Tsaganis' passing, and the announcement to close Christo's came as a shock for many who thought it would be around forever..

Massasoit Community College recently bought the property and will be building a new Allied Health and Science Building. Great for academia, bad for our Christo's embedded taste buds.

Although this fabled of version of Christo's is gone forever, all is not lost. Recently, owners Gigi Johnson and Maria Samson -- daughters of Tsaganis -- opened Christo's to Go in Whitman, Mass. Clearly a fraction of the size of Christo's and strictly take-out, the look is still familiar with about 20 former Christo's employees, and signature dishes like the Greek salads, famous salad dressing, baked lamb and bar-style pizzas still there to please the local public.

You won't find any larger-than-life Gold Room fountains, or 450 seat environs, but hopefully the magic remains in what Christo's did best: serve consistently good Greek-American fare that made the former East Side restaurant a wonderful tradition for so many years. Stay tuned for dining reviews here, as, over time, I get to sample Christo's to Go.

Forget the fruitcakes, South Beach Diet cookbooks and Ugly Christmas sweaters: Maine whoopie pies are the way to go for an appealing, and, in this case, mouthwatering holiday present -- or to consume for oneself. What's not to like about a combination of rich chocolate cake with creamy white filling?

The Maine Whoopie Pie is Maine's official state treat. Several local companies produce these delicious desserts. Grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants are the most common places to buy Maine whoopie pies, but you can even find them at some gas stations and even a Dover-Foxcroft hardware store! There's even a summer Maine Whoopie Pie Festival with whoopie pies for sale, competitions, contests and live entertainment.

We're not sure what makes the Maine whoopie pie better than others, but we love Maine and can't get enough of whoopie pies -- those emotional responses are enough to make these versions irresistible.

Lobster Gram sells a 12-pack of Maine whoopie pies, which should hopefully last more than a few days. Want a nice food pairing to go along with your dessert? Since it is Lobster Gram, how about starting off with a Lobsterpalooza meal with live Maine Lobsters, Lobster Bisque, Lobster Cakes and Lobster Ravioli?

Sunday, December 7, 2014

MassLive is reporting that the Student Prince and Fort Cafe has reopened in Springfield, Mass., after being closed temporarily.

The famous German-American downtown Springfield restaurant nearly closed for good after the Scherff family "could no longer sustain the financial losses and declining business and looked to retire,"according to the MassLive article. Peter Picknelly, chairman and CEO of Peter Pan Bus Lines, saved the restaurant as a buyer, enlisting other investors to renovate the Student Prince, which has been around since the 1940s. After being closed several months, the Student Prince celebrated with a grand, invitation-only reopening on Dec. 3.

The lunch and dinner menu has changed slightly, but long-time favorites like Sauerbrate, Hungarian beef ghoulash and the Wurst Plate sausage remain on the menu, as well as, of course, plenty of German beers on tap -- including the Student Prince Pilsner!

The Student Prince is located at 8 Fort St. in Springfield MA. Tel. (413) 734-7475

About Me

I post information about New England travel, including best destinations, attractions, restaurants and places to stay. I have written more than 1,000 articles -- many of which you can find posted on our Google+ business page and the New England Travel Fans Google+ page. I am also a Google Business View affiliate -- this exciting program brings interactive 360 degree virtual tours into your New England business.